MEN’S VOLLEYBALL SHOWS MAJOR SIGNS OF GROWTH IN LOSS AT GRACELAND

LAMONI, Iowa – Avila men's volleyball hit the road for a game at Graceland on Friday night. The Eagles picked up their first set victory since restarting the program in the 3-1 loss to the Yellowjackets.

Avila played its most complete match of the season – going to four sets for the first time in 2026.

The first set began going Graceland's way as the Yellowjackets stormed out to a quick 14-6 lead before Avila slowly began to fight back.

Avila went on a late 7-1 run to close the gap before ultimately dropping the first set, 25-21.

The Eagles played another tight set in the second. Neither team led by more than four early in the frame and Avila tied the set up at 16-16 before Graceland ended it on a 9-3 run to go up 2-0.

Avila made a program first in the third set. Leading for nearly the duration of the third, the Eagles kept the Yellowjackets at arm's length. However, midway through the set, Graceland went on a 6-2 run to bring it to a 17-15 score. From there, four kills form Sebastian Rodriguez, Rylan Murphy and Chase Kreitzer gave Avila all the momentum it would need to secure the 25-18, third-set victory.

The Eagles nearly won back-to-back sets to force a fifth. Avila got off to an early 7-5 lead in the fourth frame before Graceland took momentum to eventually lead 17-13.

Avila would bring the score to within two, but Graceland wrapped up the set, winning 25-22 and taking the match, 3-1.

It was a career night for a pair of Eagles, as Williams' 12 kills were his best in eight collegiate matches. Additionally, Kreitzer helped the Avila cause with a career-best 21 assists. 

Avila is back in action with three matches next week, beginning by traveling to Rockhurst on Tuesday at 6 PM.

(photo credit: Ali Nassir)